By Nancy Okojie,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after concluding his annual work vacation in Europe. The President, who had been in France and was expected to also visit the United Kingdom, cut his trip short and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
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According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s decision to return ahead of schedule was to resume official duties and attend to pressing national matters. The President, who departed Nigeria on September 4th for what was scheduled as a 10-day leave, was received at the airport by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
While the trip was classified as a “working vacation,” it was not devoid of official engagements. During his time in Paris, President Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The two leaders reportedly discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and France for mutual prosperity and global stability.
This trip marks President Tinubu’s latest in a series of foreign travels since assuming office. While presidential spokespersons have consistently emphasized the diplomatic and economic benefits of these trips, they have also drawn criticism from some quarters who argue that the President’s frequent international engagements take him away from pressing domestic issues.
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President Tinubu’s return comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, with several national issues requiring urgent attention. His early return is seen by many as a signal of his readiness to re-engage with domestic policy matters. Among the most anticipated actions upon his return is a focus on ongoing economic reforms under his “Renewed Hope Agenda” and a re-evaluation of the political situation in Rivers State, which has been under emergency rule.
The President’s return to the Presidential Villa signifies the end of his brief period of rest and the resumption of the full responsibilities of the office. The coming days are expected to be busy as he dives back into the affairs of state.
